Researcher(s)
- Chase Thompson, Art, University of Maryland - College Park
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Abby Reeves, Plant and Soil Science, University of Delaware
Abstract
Weeds on farms are an issue because of their roots choking out crop roots, their leaves shading out crop leaves, and they compete with crops for water and soil nutrients. Organic farms cannot use common chemical filled pesticides and herbicides, leaving most weeds to be handled mechanically rather than chemically. Hand weeding can be a huge strain on labor resources, taking up much time and energy when other tasks are waiting to be completed. This is where organic weed blocking technologies come into play. There’s many organic weed blocking technologies such as organic mulching, cover cropping, using biodegradable films, landscaping fabric, organic herbicides, and more. These weed-blocking technologies help manage weeds effectively while promoting soil health and sustainability, which are crucial aspects of organic farming. The goal of my literary research is to find the most effective, organic farming technologies to use alongside hand weeding. The most effective step against weeds on an organic farm in Delawares climate (when looking to annihilate all weeds) is occultation, also known as the usage of a silage tarp, which completely kills surface weeds while maintaining soil health. This can only be used when soil is not in use, as it suffocates the whole soil surface and effectively kills crops as well as weeds. A tactic that goes hand in hand with occultation is no tilling after the tarp is used, as tilling will bring weed seeds to the surface. This literary research will be used to change what tactics and technologies will be used at the University of Delawares Fresh to You vegetable farm.